Republic of China, 1922: Rise from the Post-Zhili-Fengtian War

Wang Yongjiang looked at Mo Dehui and said to him, "So, right now we have to work together with Jingchuan. Alright, take my approval slip as soon as possible and go to gather grain and fodder. Make sure it reaches Jinzhou within two days."

Mo Dehui bowed and accepted the order, then turned and quickly retreated.

The room suddenly fell silent, with only the gentle breeze from the window fluttering the curtains.

Wang Yuyou carefully stepped forward, reached out and steadily supported Wang Yongjiang, slowly settled him back onto the couch, and then carefully tucked in the loose corners of the quilt for him.

"Father, please lie down and rest." She said softly, "There's some nourishing soup keeping warm on the stove. I'll go get it for you. Drink it while it's hot to help you recover."

Just as she was about to turn around and take a step, Wang Yongjiang's steady voice suddenly came from behind her: "Yu'er, I have something to ask you."

Wang Yuyou paused, turning back in confusion: "Father?"

Wang Yongjiang looked at her calmly and asked, "Jiang Yingrong hasn't returned yet?"

"Not yet," Wang Yuyou answered truthfully. "Ever since the fire at the main camp construction site, Sister Rong has been worried sick. She goes to the camp every day to help with chores and take care of the wounded. She's been busy like this for... at least three days, right?"

Wang Yongjiang immediately frowned: "It's been three days already. She's a young woman, and going in and out of military camps, such a mixed place, all the time will inevitably attract gossip. She should be more mindful of her reputation and conduct."

Wang Yuyou nodded quickly: "It was my daughter's oversight. I will instruct the housekeeper to send someone to bring her back."

"Yes, she needs to be brought back, but..."

Wang Yongjiang's eyes suddenly darkened, and he said meaningfully, "But I have something else I want to ask you."

Wang Yuyou looked at her father blankly: "Me? What happened to me?"

Wang Yongjiang's expression grew colder as he said, word by word, "Girl, do you think I'm senile? Do you and that Gu Jingchuan have something going on?"

Wang Yuyou's cheeks flushed red on one side: "Dad! What nonsense are you talking about? Commander Gu and I were just... just doing some official business! He helped you find a doctor, and I'm truly grateful to him!"

She instinctively avoided her father's sharp gaze, looking at the swaying shadows of the trees outside the window, her heart pounding like a drum.

Wang Yongjiang leaned against the headboard, his gaze fixed on her intently: "Official business? Yu'er, you never lie. I heard you asked the steward for the best tobacco, and who was it that kept watch all night after the attack on the camp a few days ago, restless with every piece of news?"

A barrage of questions struck Wang Yuyou like a hammer blow. She was both anxious and angry: "Father! I only felt that Commander Gu was all alone in Jinzhou, and he had protected Fengtian's borders. I should take good care of him! How could you interpret my good intentions as something so despicable?"

"Sneaky?" Wang Yongjiang sneered. "Girl, I raised you myself. Do you think I don't know what you're thinking? Who is Gu Jingchuan? He's the commander-in-chief's handpicked general to garrison Jinzhou... Once the situation stabilizes, he'll reorganize the army. Think about it, the situation in Jinzhou is still unclear. Every single thing he does is a major event. Are you trying to put the Wang family in the spotlight by getting close to him?"

Seeing his daughter's increasingly tense expression, he couldn't help but sigh. "The situation in Jinzhou is so complicated right now. The Japanese army is eyeing us covetously, spies are everywhere, and factions are rampant in the military. If we're not careful, we'll get burned."

Gu Jingchuan is a rare military talent, but he has made too many enemies and his power base is not yet stable. You are too deeply involved with him. What will happen to you if something happens to him? What will happen to the Wang family?

Wang Yuyou's eyes reddened: "Father! I'm not a child anymore, I know my limits! Commander Gu is an upright man, fair in rewards and punishments, a true gentleman! I admire him and am willing to help him, is that wrong?"

"I admire him as much as I do... but this matter will probably offend a lot of people." Wang Yongjiang's voice carried a hint of disappointment. "The Japanese army has planted spies everywhere in the city, and those old-school generals are eager to hold onto their power tightly."

"Think about what's going on right now. It's a situation created by a complex web of conflicting interests. Besides, you're a young woman, frequently visiting the military camp and showing such concern for the garrison commander. What kind of talk will that make? Not only will your reputation be damaged, but Gu Jingchuan will also be gossiped about, accused of using his power to curry favor with the families of local officials. How much of a hindrance will that be to his efforts to reorganize military affairs?"

Wang Yuyou was speechless after her father's words, and tears finally streamed down her face. "Dad... I just... I just wanted to help him..."

Seeing his daughter's heartbroken expression, Wang Yongjiang's heart softened: "Yu'er, I'm not trying to be harsh on you. I'm just worried that you'll suffer and be taken advantage of. Gu Jingchuan's situation is more difficult than anyone else's. He's caught in factional infighting and surrounded by powerful enemies. What he needs are allies who can help him stabilize morale and procure supplies, not a confidante who distracts him."

He sighed, reached out and took his daughter's hand. "If you really care about him, you should keep your distance from him. I will find a way to help him... Once he has a firm foothold and Jinzhou is stable, it's not too late to talk about other things. As your father, I understand your thoughts."

Wang Yuyou nodded, but felt a tightness in her chest.

She knew her father was right, but when she thought of the many difficulties Gu Cheng was facing, she couldn't help but want to get closer to him and do something for him.

Just then, the butler's voice came from outside the door: "Master, Miss, Miss Jiang is back."

The father and daughter looked towards the door at the same time, and saw that Jiang Yingrong looked a little tired, but her eyes were still bright.

Upon entering, he saw Wang Yuyou wiping away tears, and then noticed Wang Yongjiang's grave expression. He paused, then asked, "Uncle, what's wrong?"

Wang Yongjiang waved his hand, then gestured for her to sit down: "Yingrong, how have things been at the Daying construction site these past few days?"

Jiang Yingrong took the handkerchief Wang Yuyou handed her and wiped the dust off her face: "The construction site was badly damaged. Fortunately, Jingchuan and several officers handled it well and organized manpower to put out the fire and carry out emergency repairs in time. Most of the ruins have been cleared and the framework is being repaired and the soldiers are being settled."

However, she blinked and then said, "But I found something strange at the construction site."

"Oh?" Wang Yongjiang sat up straight. "What's strange?"

"Uncle, wasn't the main framework of this camp made entirely of logs?" Jiang Yingrong asked, taking a sip of water. "According to the old craftsmen, they said that the logs were to be erected after being burned—but when I examined them, the wood was very brittle and would catch fire at the slightest touch. The huge losses at the construction site this time were all because of these logs."

As she spoke, she added, "It seems it's not just the wood; the amount of cement also seems insufficient—Uncle, do you have any ledgers I can look at?"

Wang Yongjiang was startled, but quickly composed himself and asked calmly, "Why are you looking at the account books?"